Syn

The Son
In 2013, Dima Ilukhin, the cousin of the film’s director and a soldier in the Russian army, died on duty in the Republic of Dagestan in the North Caucasus. He was 21 years old.
This incident marks the starting point for Abaturov’s reflection on the military. He films the training of new recruits in Siberia, as they bid farewell to their mothers and girlfriends, learn the mechanics of a Kalashnikov, or how to throw a hand grenade and administer first aid.
While his parents try to cope with their loss, Dima’s former fellow recruits have to return to battle. They too have first-hand experience of the losses caused by war. Some of them dream of their dead friend.
For their part, those hoping for new places are still trying to prove their mettle. The toughest among them try to get into the Spetsnaz, the Russian military’s special forces. Ultimately, only 34 out of 112 applicants win the right to wear the iconic red beret, after a series of gruelling tests. As they and their comrades are swallowed up by the huge belly of the aircraft supposed to transport them to the front, it’s only then that you see apprehension flash across their faces.
by Alexander Abaturov France / Russian Federation 2018 Russian 71’ Colour World premiere | Documentary form

Crew

Written and Directed by Alexander Abaturov
Cinematography Artiom Petrov
Editing Luc Forveille
Sound Alexander Kalachnikov
Producers Rebecca Houzel Petit à Petit Production, Marina Silvanovich Studio IDA, Boris Carré Siberiade

Studio IDA

Siberiade

Alexander Abaturov

Born in 1984 in Novosibirsk, former Soviet Union, now Russia. After studying Communications, he became a journalist. In 2010, he earned a master’s degree from L’École documentaire in Lussas, France. Syn is his first feature-length documentary film.

Filmography

2013 Sleeping Souls; 53 min. 2018 Syn (The Son)

Bio- & filmography as of Berlinale 2018